I widen my eyes. “What’s wrong?”
She averts her gaze and reaches into her purse. When she produces her phone, I know she’s intent on getting out of here before we finish this conversation. Well, that’s not going to happen.
“Winter.” I follow her out into the hallway. “Hey.”
She calls for a cab before catching her lower lip between her teeth. I get a glimpse of the haunted look in her eyes before she ducks her head and charges for the front door.
“So I’ll bring my stuff by tomorrow morning, okay?” she says over her shoulder. “I’ll leave my suitcase here.”
“Hey. Spoiled Southern Princess. Talk to me.” I’m desperate to get her to slow down, and I use the name that pisses Winter off more than any other.
But even that doesn’t get a rise out of her. She just gives me the smallest of smiles before darting out the door and down the walkway.
I step out onto the front porch. Within thirty seconds, I hear the squeal of tires, and I watch as the taxi she’s jumped into disappears.
I stare down the empty street and shake my head.
Something just fucking happened. I didn’t imagine it.
I run my hand over my face as I look down at Theo.
He looks back at me like he knows exactly what’s going on and I’m the only idiot standing here in the dark.
I frown at him. “How the fuck do you know? You just met her. I’ve known her my whole damn life!”
Another haughty glance hits me before Theo starts cleaning his paws.
“Fine,” I say to him. “So you’re smarter than I am. But you’re also a cat. So you have some limitations with women. I’m going to use all the tools at my disposal to figure out exactly what Winter Princess Allen’s secrets are. I’ve got nothing better to do.”
I’ve never had anything better to do than figure out Winter. And now that I’m going to be living with her in the same house, I can do just that.
I reach for my phone to cancel my date with Deb. As much as meeting up with her would no doubt help my tension, I’m no longer in the mood to see any woman but one.
CHAPTERFOUR
Winter
I stare out the window as the taxicab hurtles me through the French Quarter.
I wanted to kiss Hunter so badly, more than I’ve wanted anything in a very long time.
But the pain of what happened six months ago stopped me cold. Just like it’s been stopping me from nailing an audition.
My hormones are firing on all cylinders, and I swear my nipples are still hard from Hunter’s eyes on them. If I’d known ahead of time that I’d be living with him, I would have used my vibrator as much as possible in Manhattan to get any feelings of need out of my system. Because not having been with someone in ages, combined with my combustible reaction whenever I’m within a hundred feet of Hunter Storm, has me all sorts of crazy right now.
The lighted sign for Shoes Galore pops into view, and I call out for the driver to stop.
I need to see my parents, but I’m going to take a detour and visit my best friend first.
I pay the cab fare and hop out. The store sign says closed, but I can see Peyton through the glass. She stands on her toes to fix a set of sandals on, and I smile. Her dark hair shines in the lights, and as usual, she’s rocking an absolutely perfect pair of shoes.
I knock on the glass door lightly. Peyton turns around and immediately runs to the door and opens it for me.
Then, she pulls me into a huge hug.
“Look at you!” She holds out her arms. “You look amazing! I love your shoes!”
“You gave them to me!” I say with a laugh. “And I noticed yours from outside.” I gesture to her red heels. “They’re awesome.”
